Page 84 of Forbidden Forget-Me-Not

Detaching myself before I strangled Dylan, I half-listened to the conversation while I tracked the suits as they left the meal one at a time.

None of them stood out, and I hadn’t seen anyone important leave.

I pulled out my phone and fired off a text to Ivan.

G: Do you recognize any of these guys?

I: Two of them, no. But the one on the far right looks like Alfi. He’s one of Dimitri’s guys. I haven’t seen him in a while, so maybe he’s working for someone else now.

I doubted that. No one left Dimitri’s service. Not unless it was in a body bag.

Great, so he’s sending spies.

Glancing at Kaylani, I decided not to tell her yet. She was relaxed, laughing, and talking about horses. She was in her element, and I couldn’t destroy that, not before the Grand Prix class tomorrow.

If Dimitri wants to play games, fine. But I’ll be ready if they come at Kaylani.

“You ended up second today,” Dylan said, his voice low and impressed. “Behind me of course. You could’ve pushed harder. Why didn’t you? You were on pace to beat me. I watched your round.”

“I didn’t need to,” she said with a smile. “I just wanted to make sure I was in the hunt tomorrow.”

“Is that fear I hear?”

Kaylani bristled, and so did I.

“No,” she shot back. “It’s called a calculated risk.” Kaylani pushed back her chair and stood. “I’m going to get dessert. Would you like anything, Goran?”

“No, thank you. I’m good.”

Dylan watched her walk away. The second she was out of earshot, I took the opportunity to slide into the chair she had just vacated.

The dessert table was tucked near the back of the room under warm lighting. Kaylani was studying a tray of miniature cheesecakes when I spoke.

“I should be clear,” I spoke low enough for only him to hear. He stiffened. “I don’t interfere with harmless attention.”

He swallowed.

“But I do remove problems. Don’t become one.”

It wasn’t loud or a threat, but it landed.

Dylan looked at me, and I held his gaze before returning to my seat once more.

“Right,” he muttered. “Of course.”

He took a bite of his brownie, then stood and wandered to another table.

Kaylani returned with her dessert and paused as she noticed Dylan’s empty seat.

“Was it something you said,” she asked lightly, “or was it me?”

“Might have been me.”

She rolled her eyes and took a bite of her cherry cheesecake.

“I see.”

“Don’t worry, I was polite.”